Who Might Be In Donald Trump’s Cabinet? Plus, More About The Transition

Who’s going to be President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of state? His chief of staff? His education secretary? Now that the news of Trump’s election has settled, speculation over how the president-elect will fill out his administration has consumed Washington.

Keeping in mind the truism that nobody who knows is talking, and those who are talking don’t really know, here are some of the names being floated, leaked and/or speculated about.

Let’s start with chief of staff, a key position that will influence the filling of many others. The name of Reince Priebus, currently chairman of the Republican National Committee, has often been mentioned. Priebus was a steady backer of Trump, when many in the party establishment wanted nothing to do with the brash businessman, and put the party’s apparatus behind Trump’s campaign.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who quickly gave his support to Trump, after being vanquished by him in the primary campaign, has also been mentioned in connection with this job, or another post in the incoming administration. Christie has been serving as head of the Trump transition team.

Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law was spotted taking a long walk on the White House grounds with Obama Chief of Staff Denis McDonough during Trump’s Oval Office visit with President Obama Thursday, leading some to speculate that he could be in line for the post.

Also add to the list of potential chiefs of staff Steve Bannon, who served as Trump’s campaign chief after coming over from the conservative website Breitbart News.

Another long time Trump backer is former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Could he be the next secretary of state? Rudolph Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City who acted as Trump’s attack dog on the campaign trail, is said to be interested in becoming attorney general.

A couple of members of the U.S. Senate might also be tapped for posts. Alabama republican Jeff Sessions for secretary of defense? Or maybe Tennessee’s Bob Corker for secretary of state.

For Homeland Security, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul of Texas could make the list. Another Texas congressman, Jeb Hensarling, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee is …